LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the life and accomplishments of Robert
V. Connelly of Westerleigh, New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to mourn publicly the
death of cherished citizens of the State of New York whose life and
endeavors testify to their commitment to, and love of, their family and
their community; and
WHEREAS, It is with deep regret that this Legislative Body records the
passing of Robert V. Connelly, a Staten Island civic leader known for
his integrity, on May 18, 2012, at age 87, noting the loss of a citizen
whose purposeful life and endeavors contributed so much to the quality
of life of his family and his community; and
WHEREAS, Robert V. Connelly, of Westerleigh, New York, a passionate
civic leader, distinguished Navy veteran and successful businessman
hailed for his integrity, generosity and kindness, died on Friday, May
18, 2012, at Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze; and
WHEREAS, The husband of the late Assemblywoman Elizabeth (Betty) A.
Connelly, who represented the North Shore in the New York State Legisla-
ture from 1973 to 2000, Robert V. Connelly provided steady support,
accompanying her to countless community events on Long Island and
lawmaking trips to Albany; and
WHEREAS, Lanky and soft-spoken, Robert Connelly sported a mustache and
favored a jacket and tie no matter the occasion; he was always ready to
step to the side of his high-powered wife, often substituting for her
when she was unable to keep a commitment, even relinquishing his own
successful career in air cargo to be more available; and
WHEREAS, Robert Connelly, in addition, established his own role in
public life, benefiting numerous causes and groups, including political
organizations, the Community School Board, the former St. Vincent's
Medical Center, John Noble Maritime Collection, Catholic Youth Organiza-
tion, American Heart Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Mount Manre-
sa Jesuit Retreat House, Mission of the Immaculate Virgin at Mount
Loretto and Blessed Sacrament parish; and
WHEREAS, Complementing one another as few couples do, he shared his
wife's commitment to championing the disabled and the mentally ill by
supporting the Staten Island Center for Independent Living, the Staten
Island Mental Health Society and the former Staten Island Developmental
Center; and
WHEREAS, Robert V. Connelly was born in New Brighton, New York, on
March 28, 1925 to parents of Irish-Scottish extraction; his father,
Cornelius V. Connelly, was a tugboat marine engineer for the New York
Central Railroad and his mother, Helen Louise, a native of Texas, was a
school teacher; and
WHEREAS, After graduating from St. Peter's Boys High School in 1942 on
a four-year scholarship, Robert Connelly enlisted in the U.S. Navy; just
17 years old, he required parental consent; and
WHEREAS, He served as an aviation machinist's mate, and had been
recommended to attend Officers Candidate School just before he was
discharged in 1946 as a Petty Officer First Class, after 40 months of
service; and
WHEREAS, While stationed in Pensacola, Florida, he was part of a
three-man team which developed the "Dilbert Dunker," a device credited
with saving the lives of many naval aviators and crew members whose
planes crashed in the sea; and
WHEREAS, The device was designed to simulate actual crash conditions
at sea; using a swimming pool, the aviation cadet, strapped in the cock-
pit, learned not to panic and to think how to free himself while upside

down in the water; Robert Connelly and his associates won letters of
commendation for their efforts; and
WHEREAS, He also served aboard the USS Lake Champlain; and
WHEREAS, After leaving the service, Robert Connelly entered the fledg-
ling air cargo field, taking a position with an airline; in 1948, he
went to work for Pan American World Airways and eventually became a
District Cargo Agency Sales Supervisor; and
WHEREAS, In 1950, he joined Acme Air Cargo, Inc. as its United States
Sales Manager, a post he held for three years; he and another business
associate, Jerry Miller, then decided to set up an air cargo division
for Frederic Henjes Sr. Inc.; in 1953, Robert Connelly, Jerry Miller and
two other Islanders acquired control of the business and formed Henjes
Air Cargo Inc., which became one of the leading independent air cargo
agencies in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Robert Connelly went on to become an industry leader, serving
as President of the International Air Freight Agents Association and in
various advisory capacities for airlines and the poultry and egg indus-
try; his career took him to more than 35 countries and 65 cities before
he retired in 1983; and
WHEREAS, In 1948, he met his future wife, Elizabeth Keresey of the
Bronx, while both were employed by Pan American; they were married on
September 6, 1952, in Christ the King Roman Catholic Church in the
Bronx; and
WHEREAS, The Connellys lived in Manhattan for two years before moving
to Staten Island; they also had homes in Graniteville and West Brighton
until 1963, when they settled in Westerleigh, where they raised their
son and three daughters; and
WHEREAS, The Connellys were longtime parishioners of Blessed Sacrament
Roman Catholic Church in West Brighton, where Robert Connelly served as
a Parish Trustee and as Chairman of its Finance and School Councils and,
the family enjoyed vacationing on Long Beach Island; and
WHEREAS, Robert Connelly was well known for his collection of mementos
documenting important moments in his life; and
WHEREAS, A valued and involved member of his community, Robert V.
Connelly was involved in many education and sports activities; he knew
everyone in the community, set an example of community involvement, and
was honored to have been named Grand Marshal of the 1995 Staten Island
St. Patrick's Parade; and
WHEREAS, Robert V. Connelly is survived by his daughters, Margaret A.
Nicholson, Alice M. Lanzi, and Therese B. Shannon; his son, Robert V.
Connelly, Jr.; his brother, William Connelly; his sister, Elizabeth
Hansen; seven grandchildren; and a legion of friends who, like his fami-
ly, returned his love in overflowing measure; and
WHEREAS, Robert Connelly had a gift for enriching the lives of those
he touched; he was kind, thoughtful and intelligent and made everyone
feel inspired and special; his legacy will forever live on through his
family and the many lives he touched throughout his lifetime; and
WHEREAS, Over his meritorious life, Robert Connelly distinguished
himself as a man of sincere dedication and substantial contribution;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to pay
tribute to the memory of Robert V. Connelly, to celebrate his life, and
to honor his accomplishments; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the family of Robert V. Connelly.